The presence of Stanazolol was detected in both the primary samples
of two horses, Star Carvel and Supreme Crown, which were sent to the
Dubai-based laboratory. Since the split-sample of Music Prospector, sent to
New Market, also confirmed the findings of the primary laboratory, Todywalla
faces a ban when the RWITC stewards decide his fate on July 17. The two
horses, Star Carvel and Supreme Crown had finished fourth and second behind
Energizer and Highness on April 25 respectively. Todywalla’s string,
notably, consists mainly of horses owned by the racing baron from south Dr M.
A. M. Ramaswamy.
Meanwhile, in another significant development, trainer Todywalla and Dr Ramaswamy have been informed by the club authorities that the split-samples which were being sent to the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory in New Market, London, were destroyed at the hands of DHL Worldwide Express, the courier company which was entrusted the task of delivering the split-samples for confirmatory tests.
The moment reports regarding the samples being destroyed filtered in, rumours were afloat in the racing circles here that the destruction of the samples was an act of sabotage undertaken by vested interests in an attempt to save Todywalla from receiving a harsh punishment.
According to the Medication Control for Horses in Training and Racing (RWITC Rules of Racing), however, it is stipulated that: “In the event there is insufficient sample volume to make a specific identification of the sample contents or if an act of God, power failure, accident, labour strike, decomposition of the sample for any reason or any other force majeure circumstance prevents the second sample from being tested then the result of the test performed by the Primary Laboratory shall be conclusive and binding.” This stipulation effectively rules out any scope for foul play on part of either the owner or trainer. As a matter of fact, Todywalla had arranged for a chemical analyst to witness the confirmatory tests at the HFL on his behalf. This was done at a prohibitive cost by Todywalla only to get his name cleared in this very damaging episode.
